UPDATE: I-75 Gateway Installation Continues This Fall

OCALA/MARION COUNTY, Fla.—The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau and Marion County Board of County Commissioners are providing updates on the progress of the Gateway Project on Interstate 75 (I-75), funded entirely by tourist development tax revenue from visitors. The south Gateway, which will be installed at the 42nd Street Flyover to welcome northbound traffic to Marion County, is expected to be completed early 2025, with most on-site construction beginning in September.

Partial nighttime lane closures on I-75 are expected to begin September 9 and continue through mid-November. The closures are scheduled Sunday nights through early Friday mornings during the overnight hours of 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. The closures will be both southbound and northbound, just south of I-75 exit 350. There will be no lane closures in the southbound direction on Sunday nights, and at no time will all lanes be closed due to this construction.

On the 42nd Street flyover in Ocala, SW 43rd Street Road, the outer most lane of eastbound traffic and the eastbound sidewalk will be closed at all times beginning September 9 through mid-November. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) post lane closures for interstate highways and state roadways at CFLroad.com/laneclosures/County/Marion.

Marion County is working closely in partnership with the City of Ocala, through an interlocal agreement, and FDOT to ensure the success of this great project.

About the project:

The Gateway Project implements the vision of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners to introduce tourists driving through Marion County on I-75 to the county’s unique character. The project consists of two County line markers — installed late 2023 — as well as two representative gateways — one at the 42nd Street flyover and the other at the future interchange just north of Ocala, where the much anticipated Buc-ee’s Ocala Travel Center is planned.

This project would not be possible without tourism. More than 1.4 million tourists visit the County annually, generating over a billion dollars in economic impact. The Gateways are funded by the Tourist Development Tax, which is paid by visitors who stay in lodging in Marion County for six months or less. The use of revenue collected from the Tourist Development Tax is strictly regulated by state law (F.S. 125.0104).

Marion County is contracted with Kimley-Horn for concepts, design, permitting and application with FDOT and construction support services of the County line markers and the Gateways. Kenco Sign and Awning constructed the two County line markers. Commercial Industrial Corporation is contracted for construction of the south Gateway.

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About: Internationally renowned among equestrians, cyclists, geologists, and even the world of classic cinematography, Ocala/Marion County still feels like a hidden gem to those who aren’t already insiders. And yet, when you’re here, you’re never an outsider. The relaxed, genuine friendliness of the county’s communities makes you feel welcome wherever you go. From its otherworldly natural springs to the compounds of World Equestrian Center and Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training to its vibrant restaurants, quaint shops, dynamic arts and culture, and historic sites, the destination takes you by surprise in the best of ways. For more information about Ocala/Marion County, visit OcalaMarion.com or call toll free 1.888.FL.OCALA.